I’m so excited to share these Lemon Blueberry Streusel Scones with you today. There’s something magical about the combination of tart lemon and sweet blueberries, all crowned with a crunchy brown sugar streusel. These scones strike that perfect balance between tender and crumbly, with pockets of juicy berries in every bite. They’re impressive enough for weekend company but simple enough for a weekday treat. Want to know my secret for getting that bakery-quality texture without any fuss?
Why You’ll Love these Lemon Blueberry Streusel Scones
While I’m generally not one to play favorites with breakfast pastries, these lemon blueberry streusel scones might just convert anyone into a morning person.
The tender, buttery crumb contrasts beautifully with the crunchy brown sugar streusel topping. Can you imagine anything more perfect with your morning coffee?
These scones strike that elusive balance between sweet and tangy, with fresh blueberries bursting with juice in every bite.
The bright lemon zest cuts through the richness, keeping things light and invigorating. Trust me, the heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen is worth setting your alarm clock earlier.
What Ingredients are in Lemon Blueberry Streusel Scones?
These delightful scones bring together the perfect combination of bright lemon and juicy blueberries, all crowned with a crumbly streusel topping that adds just the right amount of sweetness and texture.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, grated
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, plus 1 tablespoon for brushing
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the streusel topping: 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 3 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
The quality of your ingredients really matters here—fresh blueberries will give you much better results than frozen ones, and make sure your butter is very cold for that perfect, flaky texture we’re all hoping to achieve.
How to Make these Lemon Blueberry Streusel Scones
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Surface
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This temperature gives scones that perfect golden exterior while keeping the inside tender and flaky.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
The lemon zest is where all that bright flavor comes from, so don’t skimp here.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add 1/2 cup of cold grated unsalted butter to your dry ingredients and cut it in until you have pea-sized crumbs.
Using cold butter that’s been grated rather than cubed helps distribute it more evenly throughout the dough, creating those lovely flaky pockets.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined.
These wet ingredients bind everything together while adding richness.
Step 5: Form the Dough
Pour the wet ingredients into your flour mixture and fold gently until just combined, then carefully fold in 1 cup fresh blueberries.
Overmixing is the enemy of tender scones, so use a light touch here. For easier mixing with less effort, a quality stand mixer can help incorporate ingredients without overworking your dough.
Step 6: Shape and Cut the Scones
On a lightly floured surface, form the dough into a disk about 1-inch thick, then cut into 8 even wedges.
Anyone else find something oddly satisfying about cutting scone dough into perfect triangles?
Step 7: Make the Streusel Topping
Mix together 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 3 tablespoons cold cubed butter until crumbly.
This streusel is what takes these scones from good to absolutely irresistible.
Step 8: Finish and Bake
Arrange the scones on your prepared baking sheet, brush with 1 tablespoon heavy cream, sprinkle generously with streusel, and chill for 15 minutes.
Then bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
That final chilling step might seem skippable, but it’s essential for maintaining those flaky layers.
What to Serve with Lemon Blueberry Streusel Scones
These bright, berry-studded scones are perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea, but a few perfect pairings can turn them into a memorable treat. A dollop of clotted cream or whipped mascarpone adds luxurious richness, while a simple lemon glaze drizzled over the top intensifies that citrus flavor.
For breakfast, serve alongside fresh fruit salad and a frothy cappuccino or Earl Grey tea. If you’re hosting brunch, these scones complement savory egg dishes beautifully, creating that perfect sweet-savory balance.
And don’t underestimate how wonderful they’re with just a simple spread of good butter and a spoonful of blueberry preserves, which echoes the flavors already in the scones.
Lemon Blueberry Streusel Scones Substitutions and Variations
- Mix-Ins: Add 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or 1/4 cup chopped nuts for extra texture.
- Lower Sugar: Reduce granulated sugar to 1/3 cup and use coconut sugar in the streusel.
- Seasonal Twist: Fold in 1-2 tablespoons of culinary lavender with the lemon zest for a spring-inspired flavor.
- Topping Options: Skip the streusel and finish baked scones with a simple lemon glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice).
Leftovers and Storage for these Lemon Blueberry Streusel Scones
These scones are at their absolute best when fresh from the oven, but don’t worry if you have extras! Store completely cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, these beauties freeze wonderfully. Wrap individual scones tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When the craving strikes, you can thaw at room temperature or reheat frozen scones in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
To refresh day-old scones and restore that delightful texture, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. The streusel might lose some crunch over time, but a quick trip to the oven works wonders!
Final Thoughts
These Lemon Blueberry Streusel Scones bring together the bright zing of fresh lemon with sweet, juicy blueberries—all crowned with that irresistible cinnamon-brown sugar streusel.
What makes them special is how the cold butter creates those perfect flaky layers while the streusel adds a delightful textural contrast.
They’re ideal for weekend brunches when you want something a bit special but not overly fussy, or as a thoughtful offering for a morning gathering with friends.
The beauty of these scones lies in their versatility—equally at home alongside a proper afternoon tea or wrapped in a napkin for a quick breakfast on the go.